This document provides an overview of ethics and law relating to children in healthcare settings. It discusses key concepts like paternalism and children's rights. It examines factors that influence how children are viewed, as well as principles like best interests and ascertainable wishes. The document reviews legislation impacting healthcare for children, including the UNCRC, Children Acts, and case law. It also explores issues like competent vs. incompetent minors, consent processes, and situations where parents and doctors disagree. Overall, the document aims to enhance understanding of applying legal and ethical principles when caring for children undergoing medical procedures.

1. Understanding Ethics and
Law for Children in the
Perioperative Care Setting
ED HOROWICZ
1

2. Learning Outcomes
To gain an understanding of the law relating to children in
healthcare.
Introduction to how the law differentiates between competent and
incompetent children.
To gain an understanding of how law impacts on caring for children
within the perioperative environment.
Introduction to applying the legal and ethical principles to consent
for children undergoing surgical procedures using scenarios.
2

3. The Moral Status of Children
What factors influence how we see children
in our society?
What are the ethical principles that relate
to children?
3

4. Paternalism
Ethical principle whereby the choices of an individual are overridden by another
person in authority in order to benefit or avoid harm to that individual.
In children’s healthcare this could be the parent/care or doctor.
Weak Paternalism- Most common justified form applied to children because they
are unable to understand the harm that may relate to a choice.
E.g- Parent preventing a toddler from picking up a cup of hot coffee.
Strong Paternalism- Advocated belief that in some circumstances a decision ought
to be over overridden, even though the decision is made by a person with full
capacity.
E.g- 17 year old student who refuses a blood transfusion because of religious
beliefs. (We will come back to this later!)
4

5. UNCRC
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Outline of the Convention
Ratified by all nations, with the exception of Somalia.
Rather than being directly legally enforced, it is part of international law and approached
through incorporation into domestic law.
Healthcare forms an important component and the physical well-being of children is paramount.
Makes clear that harm caused out of ‘cultural tradition’ should be outlawed e.g female genital
mutilation.
Consider non-therapeutic male circumcision though?
5

6. Children and the Law
English law provides that a child is a person under the age of 18
years.
Legislation empowers that a child between 16-18 can consent on
their own behalf under the Family Reform Act 1969 and that they
are competent to do so under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Under 16 it has to be decided if the child is competent or
incompetent.
Are they able to make a reasonable decision based on understanding
all of the information given to them?
6

7. The Children Act 1989
The Children Act 1989 removed the perception of parental rights
and redefined the parental influence as responsibilities.
This provides that those with responsibility have a duty to act in the
child’s best interests, otherwise a higher authority will take the
authority to do so.
Importantly consideration of the child’s ascertainable wishes and
feelings are to be considered, taking into account age and
understanding.
7

8. The Incompetent Child Under 16
Under 16 it is presumed that a child is not competent to make
medical decisions, however this presumption is importantly
rebuttable! Opposite to adults.
Generally, if parents/a parent make a competent responsible decision
for a child to undergo appropriate medical treatment then it is
considered legal.
For urgent treatment to avoid death or serious harm the doctor may
perform treatment without consent or a court order, even if the
parent objects, providing that there is insufficient time to gain either.
As part of the professional responsibilities of healthcare
professionals, engagement to an appropriate extent with the child is
paramount.
8

9. What Happens When There Is
Disagreement?
Where a child is unable to make a decision, there are circumstances where those with
responsibility disagree.
Parents disagree with the doctors.
Consider recent example of Ashya King- Proton Beam Therapy.
Immunisation
Young child uncooperative with parent.
Consider the child who is reluctant to come to theatre for vital emergency surgery, in
comparison to a child who is reluctant to come for minor elective surgery.
We recognise the difference in these scenarios and act accordingly as part of our duty of
care.
However, children are rarely able to refuse surgery if it is deemed to be in their best
interests but this gets more complicated as they get older.
9

10. Right Some Case Law!
What happens if parents disagree with the doctors?
Re B [1981]- Infant with Down’s Syndrome and intestinal obstruction requiring surgery. Parent’s
refused to give consent as at the time life-span for the child was 20-30 years. Surgeons refused
to operate without consent but court intervened and provided that the operation was to be
performed.
Parents argued that the child would have no quality of life but this was disagreed with by the
court and medical evidence.
Contrast with Re T [1997]- Child born with life-threatening liver disease who had undergone
previous transplant and further surgeries resulting in pain and suffering. Doctor’s argued that
transplant was the best option but mother disagreed and refused consent. Court found in favour
of mother despite medical evidence.
Controversial decision, criticised for focusing on the burden to the mother caring for the child.
10

11. The Case of Re A [2001]
Mary and Jodie were conjoined twins. Jodie was the stronger of the two and capable of living
independently. However, Mary was dependent on Jodie for survival. Without surgical separation
both would die but if separated Mary would likely die and Jodie though would likely survive.
Their parents were Roman Catholics and believed in the sanctity of life, as such would not
consent to the procedure.
Doctors sought legal declaration that it be lawful to carry out the surgery.
High Court granted this and on appeal so did the Court of Appeal.
It was considered to be in both baby’s best interests.
Challenged the notion of whether parental beliefs are beyond the scope of the law in relation to
children.
11

12. The Competent Child
If the child can show that they have sufficient maturity to
make the decision then the child can provide legal consent
for medical treatment.
The authority for this comes from
Gillick v West Norfolk AHA [1985]
Mrs Gillick argued that her children should not be given
oral contraceptive medication without her consent. The
court held that a child could legally give consent to medical
treatment if……
12

13. Gillick Test
The child understands the medical issues.
The child must understand the ‘moral and family issues’ involved.
The child need only have maturity to consent to the procedure.
If the child fluctuates between competent and incompetent then should be
treated as incompetent.
The court must be persuaded that the child is sufficiently mature to reach their
decision and not just be repeating the views of their parents.
13

14. The Limitations of Gillick
Although Gillick appears to be very much respectful of a
competent child’s decision, it can be overruled as part of
the guidance set by the court.
In Re S [1993],the courts overruled a 14 year old Jehovah’s
Witness decision to refuse a blood transfusion as she
could not explain clearly why she objected.
14

15. The Plight of the Adolescent
The law under Gillick provides that a competent child can consent to treatment.
What about refusal?
We saw in Re W that refusal is considered separately to consenting to treatment.
The same in Re E [1993] where a 15 year olds refusal of blood transfusion was overruled.
Even in the case of the older adolescent, 17 in Re P [2003] the courts utilised the principle of
parens patriae (acting in the best interests of those who cannot do so themselves), despite law
under the Family Reform Act 1969.
So it appears that a competent child can consent to but not refuse treatment, this is heavily
criticised.
However consider the case of Hannah Jones.
15

16. What happens when the parents disagree
with the child?
The key legal issue here is does the child have capacity to disagree with a
parents decision?
This type of case is usually relevant to older children who refuse treatment,
contrary to their parents wishes.
See Re W [1993]- 15 year old girl with anorexia nervosa, deemed competent,
refused treatment. Held that refusal could be overridden by her parents and the
court.
Controversial decision- Consider ethical principles of autonomy and
paternalism?
16

17. Parents Disagree With Each Other
The Children Act 1989, 2(7), provides that a parent with parental
responsibility can act alone and consent to treatment.
However, the courts have held that they must consult and agree with
each other for exceptional issues.
Consider Re J [2000]- A separated couple who both held parental
responsibility disagreed over whether the 5 year old boy should be
circumcised. Father was Muslim and mother Christian, neither
practicing.
Held that the surgery was irreversible and of considerable
consequence, satisfying the exceptional category.
Consider Re C [2003] - Immunisation
17

18. How Have Professional Bodies
Implemented The Law In Practice?
The GMC provide guidance;
Good Medical Practice. 2013. London: GMC.
The British Medical Association have issued guidance;
Consent, rights and choices in healthcare for children and young people. 2001, London:
BMA.
The NMC and HCPC require that you practice within the legal boundaries when seeking
consent and that where disagreements occur appropriate steps should be taken to
resolve any issues using professional and legal frameworks.
For certain issues specific guidelines have been issued
Best Practice Guidance for Doctors and other Health Professionals on the provision of
Advice and treatment to Young People under 16 on Contraception, Sexual and
Reproductive Health. 2004. DoH: NSO.
The Law and Ethics of Male Circumcision-Guidance for Doctors. 2006. London: BMA.
18

19. Illegality
Outside of the medical exception (set out in R v Brown [1994]), whereby it is
lawful for healthcare practitioners to perform surgery when consent is obtained,
there are criminal offences to protect children from harm.
Genital piercings although also an exception would be considered as unlawful.
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003- Numerous offences
Tribal facial markings under R v Adesanya [1974] (Yoruba Markings).
Is non-therapeutic male circumcision any different?
19

20. Impact Of Law Relating To Children Within
The Perioperative Environment
Recognising our professional accountability and professional duty of care.
Caring for children requires that we understand the difference between a competent and
incompetent child.
The issues surrounding consent and the rights a child has with regard to their own body.
The responsibilities of parents/guardians and those awarded to other agencies by the courts.
Understanding that treatment is not always agreed by all parties and that this can have
implications, to not only the child’s health and wellbeing but the parents as well.
Recognising our role as advocates, to ensure that a child’s care is within the legal boundaries and
if uncertain then we must advocate for them.
20

21. The WHO Checklist
Consider the legal issues that apply to the WHO checklist.
Checking consent in the anaesthetic room.
Is the it the correct consent form?
Does the person agreeing to consent have the authority to do so?
What if that consent is withdrawn in the anaesthetic room by either the incompetent or
competent child?
Have surgical scrub staff just checked the form or checked the form with the patient?
Legal consequences of wrong patient/site surgery?
21

22. Scenario 1
Jack is 14 years old and has brought himself to hospital after
attempting to pierce his ear and in the process causing a severe
laceration that now requires surgical intervention. He has requested
that his mother is not contacted, he is adamant that he understands
the procedure and the SHO believes that he is competent to do so.
Apply what you have learned
What are the ethical and legal issues?
Would it be different if only minor treatment were required?
22

23. Scenario 2
Sophie is 4 years old and has been rushed to emergency theatres after being
found lying in the road as a result of being hit by a car. There is evidence of
internal bleeding that if not stopped will be of grave danger to her life. Her
mother cannot be contacted and Sophie does not want the surgery.
The medical team are planning to operate but there is no consent form signed.
Apply what you have learned!
23

24. Scenario 3
James is 12 years old and has just been diagnosed with a malignant
osteosarcoma on his left femur. He requires major urgent surgery to
remove the tumour and reconstruct his femur.
Surgeons want to consent him for blood transfusion, which is likely
to be required and autologous blood transfusion is not an option.
James and his parents are Jehovah's Witnesses and refuse to
consent for any blood transfusion.
What are the ethical and legal issues?
What would be the likely outcome?
24

25. Questions
?
25

26. References
Beauchamp.T and Childress.J., 2009. 6th Edition. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Donnelly.M and Kilkilly.U., 2011. ‘Child-friendly healthcare: delivering on the right to
be heard’. Medical Law Review 19: 27-54.
Harris.J. (Edit), 2001, Bioethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Herring.J., 2012. 5th Edition. Medical Law and Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilmore.S and Herring.J., 2011. ‘No is the hardest word: consent and children’s
autonomy’ Child and Family Law Quarterly 23: 3-25.
Mason.J and Laurie.G., 2013. 9th Edition. Law and Medical Ethics. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Pattinson.S., 2011. 3rd Edition. Medical Law and Ethics. London: Sweet and Maxwell.
26